Yan Gomes

Expectations were high for Gomes entering 2014, as he was coming off a strong showing in a limited role in 2013 and had taken over primary catching duties in Cleveland from Carlos Santana. He easily s...

Gomes parlayed an injury to backup Lou Marson into a significant role with the Indians, hitting 11 homers in just 88 games and grabbing a larger chunk of the catching duties as the season wore on. He struggled to control the strike zone down the stretch (25 strikeouts in 90 plate appearances) as the scouting reports made the rounds, but Gomes still managed to punish mistakes. Over his limited time in the big leagues, Gomes has carried a low (5.5%) walk rate, and it should be noted that his .294/.345/.481 line is supported more by hard contact than a discerning eye at the plate. Carlos Santana expressed some displeasure with his decreased time behind the plate, but Gomes figures to get most of the time as the Indians' primary catcher while the team moves Santana to DH and first base on a more regular basis.

2013

Gomes made history in May, becoming the first Brazilian-born player in Major League Baseball history. The callup was well deserved as he was hitting .359 in Triple-A, and he proved to be a capable fill-in at first, third and catcher for the Jays. Of course Gomes didn't hit, so he was optioned back to the minors, only to get called up four more times during the year. The Indians acquired Gomes in November, and if the pre-PCL numbers are any indication, Gomes offers pop at the expense of mediocre plate discipline, but his versatility could lead him to a 25-man roster spot in Cleveland.